How banned goods slip through Europe
Russia has found a way to get around EU sanctions by quietly routing restricted goods through a logistics hub in Berlin, according to an investigation by German tabloid Bild. The report claims sanctioned items are being sent to Moscow via international mail, which faces lighter checks than standard exports.
Test packages fitted with GPS trackers reportedly moved without obstruction through a logistics hall near Berlin Brandenburg Airport, before travelling onward through Poland and Belarus to Russia. The shipments allegedly carried labels from Uzbekistan’s state postal service, even though that operator is not authorised to work in Germany.
Because international mail is processed quickly and in huge volumes under simplified customs rules, it often avoids the scrutiny applied to regular commercial exports — a loophole investigators say is being exploited.
Ukraine calls for tougher enforcement
Ukraine’s presidential envoy for sanctions policy, Vladyslav Vlasiuk, said the findings came as no surprise. Speaking in Berlin, he argued that enforcement across Europe remains too weak.
“When you look at the number of cases, nobody is doing enough,” Vlasiuk said, adding that Kyiv regularly shares intelligence on sanctions evasion with its partners. He described such schemes as well known to Ukrainian authorities.
Vlasiuk is currently visiting several EU countries to push for stronger action. He outlined three main priorities: tighter financial sanctions, stopping Western-made components from reaching Russia, and cracking down harder on Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. He warned that parts from the West have been found in tens of thousands of Russian drone attacks and said alternative payment methods, including cryptocurrencies, are helping actors dodge existing bans.
Shadow fleet still sailing
Russia’s shadow fleet has become a focal point in the sanctions debate. Moscow continues to export oil using ageing tankers that are often poorly insured and registered under shifting or unclear flags. Despite EU sanctions on more than 600 vessels, around 70% are still active, according to Vlasiuk.
Recent moves suggest growing concern. France last week intercepted and seized the tanker Grinch in the Mediterranean, suspecting it of sailing under a false flag. Earlier this month, Germany and 13 other EU countries warned that ships operating in the Baltic and North Sea under multiple or fake flags would be treated as stateless.
Under the joint declaration, vessels without valid documentation, proper communication or compliance with safety rules could face tougher action. However, the statement stopped short of spelling out exactly how those measures would be enforced.
